If you’re reading this guide for the first time, head over to the introductory post, How to be Classy: The Guide for Girls Who Aren’t Rich also!

We all have bad skin days, but in general, classy women have a good handle on their skin.  Everyone has different skincare needs, and you should address yours accordingly.  Your skin is a reflection of your overall health:  Balance, hydration, cleanliness and hygiene, diet, stress levels, and how well you take care of yourself are all elements that attribute to whether or not you have vibrant, healthy-looking skin.  While it’s trickier for some than others, there are so many products available to help, that winning the skin battle really just comes down to whether or not you’re willing to put in the necessary effort.  And you should!

There’s nothing grosser than sitting down to dinner with someone who’s got thick grease on her face, a giant whitehead that’s ready to pop, skin flakes, or tons of blackheads.  It’s equally nasty to see a face that’s been picked to death, whether it’s covered by makeup or not.  Here’s a few tips on avoiding these and other problems:

• Blackheads and other types of acne can be so difficult to get rid of.  However, it can be done!  Get into a skincare routine, and practice it religiously.  Of course, this is only effective if you find the right products for your skin’s needs.  Experiment with different skincare lines on the market until you find one that makes a difference for you.  This can be tough for people who are impatient (like me!), but you really have to hang in there.  Most skincare products don’t give you results overnight, so you’ll need to stick with the program for a good month or so to know if something works for you.  If you’re unable to harness your acne by these means, get down to business and see your dermatologist for help.  Acne is a treatable medical condition, and there are many prescription drugs and remedies available (Accutane, Retin-A, antibiotics, even birth control pills, to name a few) that you can utilize to get gorgeous, glowing, acne-free skin.
• Whiteheads are what happen when women take the “don’t pick your skin” mentality way too far.  There are times when “picking” is acceptable, and this is one of them.  I literally cannot function when I see this on someone’s face… it’s SO disgusting!  Get rid of it!  Here’s some general rules for picking:  Don’t pick if it requires you to scrape off, bruise, or dig your nails into, your flesh.  Oppositely, if you find yourself with a blemish as ripe as a whitehead, puss has risen to the surface because it needs to be extracted (and the infection needs to be expelled). Simply apply gentle pressure to remove the puss and infection – Just make sure your hands or utensils are clean beforehand, and be sure to wash the area (and your hands again, duh!) afterward to prevent bacteria from spreading and causing more acne.
• Oily skin is a beast I’m always battling myself!  No matter what cleansers you use, you’ll need help removing oil that accumulates throughout the day.  A great product that I’ve used for years – that’s easy on the wallet and found at drug stores – is Clean & Clear oil absorbing sheets.  They, or your oil sheet brand of choice (there are many), will remove oil without taking off your makeup.  It’s better for touch-ups than powder alone because powder, when mixed with oil, begins to look heavy and cakey.  Also, because the oil is never removed, your greasy shine is likely to return quickly – not to mention, the oil-powder combo will clog your pores like crazy!
• Skin flakes are the result of dehydrated skin, and can be prevented by selecting proper skincare products and moisturizers.  Whether your skin is dry or oily, skin can become dehydrated if you don’t use a daily moisturizer.  Of course, if you have dry skin, you’ll need a much more intense moisturizer.  Also, there’s a possibility that your cleanser and/or toner are too harsh for your skin.  –Many “deep cleansers” or those that fight acne, for example, can cause flakey skin.  Body dehydration can also cause dry skin!  Make sure you’re well hydrated by drinking a minimum of 8 glasses (the equivalent of about 4 bottled waters) per day –or, if you’re against bottles, that’s about a half-gallon, or 64 oz.

Unfortunately, drinking less water won’t fix an oily skin problem – so don’t try it!  Actually, oily skin benefits from body hydration too, because drinking water flushes out skin impurities.  Try it!

• Tanning is something that classy women avoid.  There’s nothing wrong with having a natural, sun-kissed glow from summertime and outdoor activities, but if you’re uber-tanned, you haven’t been protecting your skin properly.  In accordance, tanning beds, which directly compromise the health of your skin, are a huge no-no!  Whether from the sun or a bed, tanning promotes premature aging and wrinkles, ugly sunspots and discoloration, and skin cancer (melanoma).  Wear sunscreen if you’re going to be outside, and make sure your daily moisturizer has an SPF.  If you simply can’t live without a tan, there’s great self-tanners on the market nowadays, and most all tanning salons offer spray tans.  Just remember, deviating too far from your natural skin tone looks tacky, so artificial or not, keep it to a tasteful, sun-kissed glow.

Side note on skin tone:

I find it interesting how much the fashion and beauty industries – and the resulting body image messages sent to women – are centered around skin tone.  Black women are told that lighter is more beautiful, citing the images of Beyonce and Tyra Banks as examples.  Women of other races might not realize it, but there’s actually a ton of skin bleaching products on the market that target Black women!  Asian women are also held to the standard that light skin is more desirable.  Oppositely, White women are pressured to lather themselves in oil and fry themselves — or paint themselves via artificial tans, to be more beautiful.  Whether you’re skin is like dark chocolate or porcelain, or anywhere inbetween, to be classy is to embrace your natural skin tone, and to learn to be confident about it.  Trying to be something you’re not is never classy, and as long as you keep your skin healthy, you’ll never go wrong.

If you’re reading this guide for the first time, consider reading the introductory post, How to be Classy: The Guide for Girls Who Aren’t Rich.  Otherwise, read on!

Sweatpants: Don’t do it!!!

Wearing sweatpants in public is a scary crime that’s become increasingly widespread. –And it’s atrocious! Unless your house is on fire, your closet has burned down, and the only thing you can pull over your ass in time to escape with your life is your raunchy sweatpants, DON’T EVER, EVER, leave your house in them!  –And that goes for PJ pants of any kind too (yes, believe it or not, this tragedy happens too). It makes you look like you don’t take any pride in your appearance, and makes you look lazy, grungy, sleepy, sloppy, unappealing, unattractive, unclean, unkempt, dirty, dowdy, dumpy, flabby, grouchy, and overall, un-classy.

Also note that, since people want to befriend those they have things in common with, classy people are likely not to want to socialize with you and your sweatpants. (I’ll expand on this in an upcoming lesson, where I’ll discuss friend selection and how the people you surround yourself with can make or break your classiness).  If that’s a crowd you’re interested in, and you want to be viewed as a positive, respectable member of society, I suggest you make the effort to steer clear of creating any public sweatpants displays.

There’s a time and place for sweatpants, and that’s when you’re at home without guests. I suppose they’re semi doable in certain conditions of health: checking in or out of the hospital, etc. -Maybe, if they’re well-fitting enough, while playing a sport or going to and from the gym. However, during any other time or situation, they’re absolutely inappropriate.

But you just wanna be comfy! Even the classiest ladies need comfort, and no one wants to squeeze into stiff jeans or slacks for a trip to the corner store, to pick up the kids, or to run tedious errands.  So what are the alternatives? 

• Velour tracksuits are more like leisure suits nowadays than athletic wear.  They’re great for going to the gym, running to the corner store, or walking the dog.  Depending on the fit and style, and how well you accessorize, you may even be able to pick up your kids from school or go to the grocery store, post office, etc. in your tracksuit.  Under normal circumstances, this is the most casual and underdressed type of outfit you should ever leave your house in.  Juicy Couture makes the most famous line of velour tracksuits, which now also comes in plus sizes; However, if Juicy will break your bank, you can find similar styles in most department and specialty stores from a large variety of brands.  Wear yours with a well-fitted cotton tee in the summer, or with its matching hoodie in cooler weather.  Also, this outfit looks best when accessorized with a trendy watch or handbag, and a little jewelry for added sparkle.
• Khakis are great for running errands and shopping.  They’re [supposed to be] worn more loose-fitting than jeans and are less rigid than denim, giving you comfort and room to move. Some even come with drawstring waists for extra comfort and flexibility.  You can pair these with a casual tee, polo shirt, or even a crisp cotton blouse or sweater.  Also, what’s great about khakis is that they come in lengths to suit all seasons, from shorts to pants, and everything inbetween.
• If you like a less casual look, but still want to be comfy, opt for super stretchy jeans.  Some jeans barely stretch, making them nearly as uncomfortable as nonstretch.  But, there are tons of jeans out there that stretch like crazy, moving with you without squeezing or cutting into your waist when you sit.  Also, if you’re using these jeans as part of a comfy outfit, don’t be afraid to buy them looser than your regular jeans.  If they’ve got spandex in them, no one will even be able to tell that they’re loose.  They’ll still hug your body anyway, and will look fabulous – all while being super comfy!  Of course, there’s nothing more cute, casual, and classic than pairing them with a simple white tee.

There you have it ladies:  Plenty of comfy options to supplement your sweatpants - there may even be more.  Remember that your clothing and self presentation tell a story about who you are.  If you’re willing to make a little effort and pair some style with your comfort, you’ll send the right message, and enjoy some well-earned confidence.

Before reading on, consider reading the preceding post, How to be Classy: The Guide for Girls Who Aren’t Rich

“I’m sorry. –What’s your name again?”

This phrase is used so often and so casually, that many people overlook how rude its meaning is. When you say it (or something like it) to someone, you’re telling them that they aren’t important, special, valid, or notable enough for you to have payed attention to their name.  It’s just sooo condescending!  Classy women make a point to make other people matter, and to ensure that those around them feel important, valid, and respected. Yes, it takes a lot of effort to remember the names and personal details of all your acquaintances, but all the consideration on your part is really going to get you noticed.  Here are some excellent methods for making others feel drawn to you, and for creating friendly, gratifying bonds with your acquaintances and potential friends.

Making it an art:

• Once you know people’s names, use ’em when you talk to them!  “Hi Alex, how’ve you been?”  or, “You know, Karen, I think you’d really like this new gym I joined…”  Doing this is direct and very personable, and it’ll make your connection just slightly more intimate – in a good, friendly way.  It beats not using someone’s name, which is basically the equivalent of “hey, you!” – which is what most people do.  It’s a subtle way of setting yourself apart from the crowd, and is an approach that’ll get people to like you right away.  They might not even know why, but they’ll know they like talking with you!
• Most people don’t bother to remember specific details about the people they meet, so you’ll really stand out if you do.  Even simple things like, your new neighbor has a 5 year old daughter named Madison, or your new coworker just got engaged, can win you big brownie points in casual conversation.  “Hey Alison!  I just thought I’d let you know, your other neighbor three doors down has a daughter about Madison’s age too…” or “So Kate, how are your wedding plans coming along?”  By recalling these details, you’ll make people feel really warm and fuzzy inside – flattered almost. They’ll feel like they’re important to you, and will realize that you’re a thoughtful person that’s sociable and is a great listener.  Amazingly, it’s a win-win situation that’ll make people feel very drawn to you.

Of course, there are going to be some people who don’t seem to respond to your fabulous new social skills.  But don’t let them discourage you!  First of all, you can’t make friends with everybody, ’cause not everyone is compatible with you.  Second, some people are just unfriendly, don’t care, aren’t looking to make new friends, have too many personal issues, or encompass a plethora of other conflicting characteristics.  The people you want to associate with and who are potential friends, are the ones that do notice (whether consciously or subconsciously).  Those you have compatibility with will reciprocate your gestures with their own styles of friendliness.  With that said, the acquaintances that don’t work out – probably don’t for a good reason.

Other than that, if you put these methods into play, you have a wonderful social climate ahead of you – and lots of new relationships to come

There you have it!  If you liked this article, check back soon for my next installment of How to be Classy: The Guide for Girls Who Aren’t Rich!

You might think that having class is dependent on or related to, having lots and lots of money – or at least looking like you do. Well you’d be wrong!  True class is conveyed through your behaviors. While money can help a person appear classy, celebrities, for example, do a great job of proving that wealth doesn’t actually beget class. Class is a person’s social decorum based on kindness, respect, honesty, authenticity & sincerity, great social skills, good behavior, presenting a tasteful appearance, good judgment, a good reputation, and most of all, consideration of others. You’ll find that once you start practicing these behaviors, others will perceive you in a much more positive light and will have more respect for you – and their behaviors toward you will show it. Women will appreciate and admire you, and men will be drawn to you. People will feel all together super-duper in your presence, and they’ll naturally want to be involved with you. Yes, being classy is like being a social force that can even make those around you more classy. Know what that’s called?: Influence.  And influence = power in anyone’s book (or on anyone’s blog, I should say ). The more you practice classy behavior, the more it’ll come naturally to you in any and every situation.

First, let’s recap with what I like to call, “The Classy 10 Checklist”

1. Kindness
2. Respect of Self and Others
3. Honesty
4. Authenticity & Sincerity
5. Great Social Skills
6. Good Behavior
7. Presenting a Tasteful Appearance**
8. Good Judgment
9. Good Reputation
10. Consideration of Others

**I’ve put stars by Presenting a Tasteful Appearance because this may seem like a contradiction to my previous statement that class is all about behavior.  I’m not talking about whether you think your nose is too big or that your hips are too wide.  I’m talking about how you present yourself using your self-expressions of fashion and self-maintenance.  The way you prepare your exterior makes a huge statement about what you have going on on the inside.  Your looks, as a result of how you create them, are the biggest initial communicator of your being — and that is controlled by your behavior.

Got it? Ok!  Now you’re ready to apply the checklist to real life situations.  I’m going to add lots of installments to this guide via future blog posts, so check back often for updates, and be sure to bookmark me if you haven’t already!  My first lesson is coming right up in the next post!

We’ve all been there: After what seems like forever in nail-biting grid lock and the heaviest traffic of the year, you finally bust into the mall parking lot. Then, you slowly prowl around, hunting down anyone who looks to be leaving, just so you can snatch a parking space almost a mile from the entrance – that is, if the car in the next aisle doesn’t beat you to it. Finally, you burst into the store, but your battle’s just begun. Now, you have to wade through a mob of aggressive shoppers while getting elbowed and nearly trampled on, all in the quest to find the perfect gifts. Sometimes, through all the ridiculousness, you find just what you’re looking for! But sometimes, the gift you desperately wanted is *ghasp* out of stock! Or, sometimes you have to watch some middle school brat with her grubby paws on the last one, stand 15 people in front of you in the nightmare of a check out line. Will this hell ever end?! Guess what. It never has to begin! Here’s how to de-stress and avoid the rush:

1. Begin by making a list of everyone you want to give gifts to this Christmas.

• If it’s very short, a mental list can suffice. However, if you like to include your friends, coworkers, kids’ teachers, hairdresser, boss, or second cousins, etc., or if you have a large family, actually writing it down will give you an organized prospective.
• Generate a rough idea of what you want, or can afford to, spend on each person – and stick to it! Don’t break this rule unless you find a gift you absolutely can’t pass up. Regardless, your friends and family will appreciate your gift-giving gesture, no matter how much – or little – you spend.

2. Start shopping early!

• I cannot stress this enough! By starting to shop in September or October, you automatically allow yourself months, instead of weeks, to complete your gifting goals.
• Also, spreading out your spending helps lighten the financial burden of the holidays. Case in point: If you spend a little on gifts each month over 3-5 months, rather than a huge lump sum in December, you’ll have much more money available at Christmas for travel, home decorating, throwing a party, having a wonderful meal, some pampering/beautifying before seeing the family again, giving your kids/family what they want/need, etc.
• Additionally, by shopping early, you’ll ensure that stores aren’t out of stock (as they so often are in December) on your most sought after gifts!
• Of course, certain products are only available during late November and in December. For example, makeup pallets, gift sets, special editions, etc. You’ll have to pop over to your local stores or order these closer to Christmas; The point is to have all your other shopping done beforehand so that there’s only these select few things to purchase as Christmas approaches.
• Shopping early also gives you plenty of time and funds for shipping gifts to loved ones who life far, far away.

3. Order gifts online.

• Avoid the crazy crowds! Yes, you’ll have to pay for shipping in most cases, but you’ll equally save on gas money, and you won’t have to immerse yourself in traffic, or the insane mobs at shopping centers.
• You’ll also save on time – big time! With the other million things you have going this holiday season, you could use every extra minute you can get! Skip traffic, skip the crowds and the lines, and just “proceed to checkout”!

There you have it: a stress-free (well, less stressful) shopping regimen sure to sail you through the holidays! Just remember: (1) Make a list (2) Shop early & (3) Order gifts online. Happy Shopping!

Make your Halloween party the event of the year with these fun, stylish theme ideas and decor.  To view each theme’s how-to’s, more photos, and even send matching e-invitations, click “Throw This Party!” below each party’s images!

Ghoul’s Night Halloween Party

Here’s a very unique theme that’s both frightening and feminine.  Finally, an excuse to use pink at your Halloween party!  Remember: no skull is complete without faux eyelashes :-*

Gothic Glam Halloween Dinner Party

If you want your party to look super glamorous, this shimmering, gawdy, Gothic theme is just for you!

Mad Scientist Party

This party is especially great if you like to get creative with the food and drinks you’re serving.  Of course, a great mad scientist themed party is going to have some neat concoctions!  When serving your… poison… of choice, serving it up in test tubes or laboratory flasks is a great way to set the mood.  This party is excellent for adults, and can also be adapted to be a blast for kids.

Spooky Chic Dinner Party

This is a great way to impress!  From the orange rose centerpieces to the quaint place settings, this setup is incredibly chic.

I’d love to invite you to join me on my Facebook fan page!  It’s there to give you oodles of fun tid bits about style and fashion, relationships, decorating and entertaining, well-being and de-stressing, recipes, guys, beauty, current events, etc. -And of course, new article announcements.  And there’s tons more goodies to come!  If I love it, I post it!  Don’t miss out…  It really is worth your while, so go check it out and become a fan!  If you feel so inclined,  Click Here, then click “Become a Fan”.

If you don’t have Facebook (and even if you do!), consider following me on Twitter!  I announce site updates and recommend other sites and things I can’t live without from all around the web   Twitter is a great way to get to know me on a more personal level, and, since I love to know my readers, I will also request to follow you.

Like any blogger with a site in its infancy, I too am trying to branch out and network.  Maybe you and I can help each other!  If you’ve got a blog or site with content that relates to any of mine, or with a pool of readers that would also find my content relevant, join me on Twitter or my Facebook fan page and drop me a comment (direct messages on Twitter, please!).  I’d love to read your site and also join your community-building tool of choice (Twitter, Facebook, Google, etc.).  And if I really really love your site, I may even link to you in an upcoming article or add you to my blogroll!

Thank you so much for your support!  If it weren’t for readers like you, I wouldn’t enjoy what I do even half as much.  Really, it means the world, and I look so forward to hearing from you!

From larger than life jewelry, to full sequined outfits, statement pieces are the “it” trend this fall, and cocktails are no exception.  This season, cutesy cosmos are out, while bold, grown up flavors are making a comeback!  Whether you need a wow factor for your next soiree or just want something new and interesting to try, these knock out cocktails are sure to fit your bill.

Pineapple Chipotle Margarita

Think margaritas are only for the stifling days of summer?  Think again!  The lingering spice of chipotle in this sweet Caribbean concoction will have you warm and tingly from head to toe.

• 1 ½ oz Tequila (I recommend Sauza)
• ½ oz Blue Curaçao (Dutch Orange preferably)
• 1 oz Lime Juice (fresh is best)
• 2 ½ oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz Monin Pineapple Chipotle Syrup (buy it here)
• dash of Tobasco chipotle hot sauce
• Ice

Combine all ingredients, stir, and pour over ice.  Garnish with a pineapple wedge and small pepper.  Or, get creative and use a deep red or purple flower.

Corpse Reviver #2

As we transition into 2010, modernizing classic cocktails is all the rage.  The new Corpse Reviver is an updated classic that truly satisfies the guilty pleasure of “forbidden fruit”.  It incorporates the lush and unique anise flavor of absinthe: a liquor that only recently became legal in the U.S.  The creative mixture of flavors is a powerful symphony for your mouth!

• 1 oz Gin (I highly recommend NEW AMSTERDAM GIN.  It’s inexpensive and is so smooth, you can drink it straight!  It’s especially great for those who haven’t yet acquired a taste for gin.)
• 1 oz Lillet Blanc
• 1 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz Lemon Juice
• 5 drops, or a splash of Absinthe
• Ice

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well.  Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry.

Carrot Cake Martini

This martini is dessert in a glass!  All the traditional comfort spices of Autumn come together in this truly nontraditional cocktail.  From the creamy rim to the finish of brown sugar, this devilish delight will have your taste buds begging for more.

• ¾ oz Toschi Nocello liqueur (a sweet, walnut flavored liqueur that you can buy here)
• ¾ oz Vanilla Vodka
• ¾ oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
• ¾ oz Spiced Rum (Captain Morgan’s is fine, but I recommend Montecristo Spiced Rum)
• ¾ oz Simple Syrup
• ½ oz Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1 oz Carrot Juice
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• Ice

For the garnish

• Cream Cheese Frosting
• 6 Raisins
• Nutmeg

Run the rim of a chilled martini glass through frosting to create a frosted rim.  In a shaker, combine all drink ingredients with ice.  Shake and strain into the chilled, frosted glass over the raisins, and sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg over the top.

Source

Now you’ve really got an excuse to throw a cocktail party!  Happy mixing

One of Henry VIII’s wives, or a Tudor noblewoman.

This is the new Catholic schoolgirl – renaissance style!  The rise of Showtime’s The Tudors has given gorgeous and intricate 16th century costumes modern recognition.  The look is ultra feminine and is embellished by bold fabrics and glimmering jewels from head to toe.  The show has emphasized the scandalous, forbidden sexuality behind the modest Tudor outfits by portraying primary characters like Anne Boleyn, for example, as medieval sex symbols.  This look is definitely hot this year!  To really punch it up, invest in some clip-in hair extensions, or wear an intricate updo.  Also, be sure to drape yourself in as much gold colored, gawdy, large-stoned or pearl jewelry as possible, including a Tudor headpiece or crown.  It’s good to be queen

• For a large variety of costumes and accessories, turn to google.  I’ve found that using the terms “Anne Boleyn costume” or “Anne Boleyn dress” can yield better, more period specific results than “Tudor costume” or “renaissance dress”, etc.  Anne is a historical star with many costumes created to emulate her cutting edge, French fashions of the time, and that’s exactly the look to aim for this year.

First Lady or other female political figure

With last year’s elections, the vintage and retro craze, and our current political focus in this troubled time, it’s never been more chic to look like a first lady!  Whip out some giant pearls and wear your hair in a flippy bob or updo to sport the looks of Jackie O., Cindy McCain, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, and Michelle Obama.  Don’t forget that sexy yet conservative knee length dress, or pencil skirt and fitted blazer; And to give the look a burst of sex appeal, ditch the pumps and accentuate your calves by strapping on some round- or peep-toed stilettos.

Interesting Fashion: Visit this website to view gowns worn by first ladies to formal events and inaugurations throughout history, from as early as the time of George Washington!  It’s incorporated into a quiz, but if you pick any answer, it’ll tell you who wore it and when

A mod lady from the 1960’s – like the ones from Mad Men

Glam up a colorful 60’s look from the decade that made cocktails and martinis all the rage!  60’s fashion made a huge statement, from the big, flipped out hair to the brightly colored, large-print patterns.  However, the “groovy”, psychedelic, rainbow explosion on a go-go dancer, look of the late 60’s has been way overdone.  This year, the 60’s focus is on the glamour of the earlier portion of the decade.  The popular show, Mad Men, follows suit by showcasing the mod styles of 60’s women from posh Madison Avenue in New York City – and you can too.  To really steal the spotlight, think BIG yet sleek:  lots of patterns, vivid colors, chunky clip on earrings, bold makeup and AquaNetted, bulletproof hair!  For added authenticity, make sure you have nail polish on, and avoid the round breast look that’s popular now by wearing a bra that makes you look a little cone shaped (my sister calls the look “bullet boobs” ).  (Remember mom or grandma from those old photos?)

• For more mod fashion ideas, google “mod 60’s fashion” or “mod fashion” etc.

A Vampiress

From The Twilight Saga and the Underworld trilogy to shows like True Blood and Vampire Diaries, sucking blood has never been so in!  While dressing up as a vampire may be a classic Halloween idea, this year’s vampire look will be raw, edgy, and incredibly up to date.  Steer clear of a cloaked, Count Dracula getup and opt for leather and laytex or black leggings, a dark corset, and chunky boots.  A great costume to draw inspiration from is Kate Beckinsale’s costume in Underworld.  2009’s vampire look is basically a modern, sexy, badass update of a renaissance gown from the time of the original vampire legends (hence, the modern outfit retains the corset).  To take this intimidating yet sexy look over the edge, hook a fake pistol or two in your belt or pockets, and don a dark, floor-length coat or trench instead of a cape.

Keep in mind that while this year’s ideal outfit isn’t traditional, the rest of your look should be.  It’s still all about a pasty, pale complexion, fangs, and eerily colored eyes!  If you choose to wear colored contact lenses, try black (30 Days of Night), red (Twilight), bright gold (Twilight again), or icy blue (Underworld).

“Baby” from Dirty Dancing

Patrick Swayze’s passing has given us all warm fuzzies over his romantic role in the feel-good classic, Dirty Dancing.  This year, be Patrick’s leading lady by wearing tight, bouncy curls, and one of the outfits Baby wore in the movie.  For her final performance outfit, you’ll need a full-skirted light pink dress with ankle strap heels, and her casual rehearsal outfits may give you a chance to flaunt your midriff in clamdiggers and Keds or Mary Janes.  Now, get out there and move to the music!

• Having trouble finding the right dress? Look-a-likes of this dress are notoriously hard to find, but you can still get the look with a little creativity.  If you’re having trouble, consider using a floor length gown and having it hemmed.  Also, a white dress can easily be dyed (at bridal shops, etc.) to match the pretty pink Baby wore.  There you have it: Glam, pretty, timeless and classic.

Got more chic, sexy, stylish ideas for Halloween?  Comment this article and tell everyone about it!

1.  Racking up 200, 300, 500, or more “friends”.  I promise, 90% of those ”friends” don’t give a flopping bunny about what you’re up to.  Quit flattering yourself, quit trying to look extremely popular, and exercise some social network humility.  It may be time for you to edit and downsize:  Anything over 100 tells people that you’re desperate enough to add random acquaintances or people you barely know (and never speak to).

2.  Adding tons and tons and tons of photos.  Sharing an obscenely large number of pictures of yourself (including the poor and mediocre ones) makes you look vain and desperate for people to look at and admire you.  No one is so fascinated by your look that they want to see you from 20 different angles at the same party or in 10 different self-taken shots making an assortment of faces at the camera (or maybe even the same damn one).  Don’t jam your image down people’s throats by assaulting them with quantity -  You should focus on quality. When assembling your Facebook albums, only add pictures that are flattering, or that would be meaningful enough for you to use if putting together a physical photo album.

3.  Posting teaser status updates:  You know, the ones that let people know there’s something exciting/horrible/urgent/tragic going on yet fail to include the actual SUBJECT.  Examples:  “I’m just so worried.”  ”I’m so hurt and confused right now.” or simply, “:(”  You’re not fooling anyone:  Teaser statuses are obvious ploys for attention.  They’re meant to intrigue people and force friends to ask questions (comment and give attention, concern, or interest) to extract any meaning from your status.  It’s comparable to “fishing for compliments” and is incredibly childish.  This behavior also makes friends who don’t understand feel excluded, as it’s implied that some people know what your status refers to.  Get over yourself, and stop being rude.  If it’s not a subject you wish to share with the world, use the private message function, and keep it off of your wall.

4.  Posting random insignificant babble when you’ve got absolutely nothing going on.  If you don’t have any minutely significant news about your activity/life, or anything entertaining or intriguing to say, yet you still conjure up something – anything – you’re just being an annoying boob.  No one cares that your toddler ate a cookie, or to read your irrelevant song lyrics or “deep” quotes.  It’s not cute, it’s a waste of others’ time to read, and you are not deep or interesting just because you regurgitated someone else’s words.  Meaningless jibberish is an obvious space filler that says, “I’m bored, have nothing interesting going on in my life, and am currently BLAH at the moment.”  You know what doesn’t say that?  Saying NOTHING.  In fact, Facebook absence implies quite the opposite.

5.  Posting frequent status updates, but rarely or never giving feedback on friends’ comments or statuses.  This is just downright rude.  Especially if others show interest in you by commenting on your status or messaging you.  It’s only polite to reciprocate with mutual friendliness, or to at least acknowledge their efforts to stay in touch.  If you don’t, you’re sending the message that you feel your life and activities are important enough to share and discuss, while your friends’ lives aren’t.  Start socializing, or you’ll continue presenting yourself as a self-absorbed ice queen.

6.  Frequently updating from a cell phone.  HELLO!  You’re obviously not doing anything worth talking about if you’re so disinterested in it that you’re sitting there with your phone signing on to Facebook.  “OMG, I’m having the most amazing time with the gang at Dave & Busters!”  Yeeeaaahhh… No, you’re not.  You’re bored.  Hence why, again, you’re sitting there signing on to Facebook.  I suppose I understand the occasional phone update (although most still make you look desperately bored);  However, don’t try to fool anyone into thinking you’re having the time of your life via Facebook mobile.  No one buys it; and if they act like they do, they’re just being polite.

7.  Constantly preaching political views.  Americans get enough “go green” and Prop-8 nagging from the Liberal media (two very overexposed Facebook topics).  If you obsessively hammer your opinions into your Facebook friends, you’re going to turn them off to your cause and will inevitably offend and anger those with opposing views.  Be considerate of others and realize that your political preaching makes your friends uncomfortable in the way you would be uncomfortable if others preached their religions to you.  Most people log on to Facebook for casual conversation, to keep in touch, and to unwind – not to fall victim to your confrontational news feed litter about the latest hard-hitting issue.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s fine to state your political opinions occasionally. But keep in mind, if your friends wanted to be bombarded with political babble, they’d turn to Fox, CNN, the paper, or AM radio – not your amateur ass.  Additionally, your friends aren’t likely to take your Facebook activism seriously anyway:  it’s a severely passive way to put your views out there and fight for what you believe in.  If you were truly passionate about a given issue, you’d go protest, attend town meetings, sign and distribute petitions, and vent in political forums and blogs where you and like-minded people can work toward goals together.  You’re not going to win anyone over to your side by posting on Facebook. The only thing you’ll accomplish is annoying the piss out of everyone.  STOP IT. NOW.